Alcove Cafe & Bakery

(323) 644-0100

1929 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027 34.1063 -118.2877

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Neighborhoods: Los Feliz, Central LA

alcovecafe.com/

Hours:

Mon-Sat 6am-11pm

Sunday 7am-11pm

Price:

$

Last updated 6.04.11

Category:

Restaurants, Bakeries

Payment Methods:

Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

People Watching, Lunch Spot, Celeb Hangout, Outdoor Dining, Hidden Find

Cuisine:

Traditional American

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Alcove Cafe & Bakery

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – Inside the quaint brick bungalow, the feel is definitely European bistro--murals, marble tabletops and display cases teem with gorgeous cakes (of the layer, bundt and cheese variety), pies, tarts, cookies and cupcakes. Patrons line up to order at the counter before the somewhat daunting task of scouting out a coveted outside table. On weekends, the breakfast and lunch lines snake down the brick walkway through the lovely umbrella-shaded patio, where young, attractive Eastsiders wash down breakfast burritos, omelettes and smoked salmon scrambles with make-your-own mimosas. At…

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
The pastry menu includes such specialties as amarena cherry almond cake, German chocolate cake and lemon coconut cake.
Parking:
Valet parking is available behind Alcove for $3.50..
Know Before You Go:
Snagging a table can be a bit of a sport on weekends. Your best bet is to send someone in your party to scout out a spot while the others wait to order. Don't forget about the tables on either side of the bungalow.
The Extras:
Pooches are welcome--and frequently part of the scene--on Alcove's dog-friendly patio.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “The Alcove has a very charming, cozy, relaxing-get-away-from-bustle-of-LA atmosphere.”
  2. “My friends and I were visiting from London, and overall loved the food and atmosphere.”
  3. “Ambience is great, very cozy, and most importantly, VERY DOG FRIENDLY!”
  4. “This small cafe has a terrific ambiance, and the outside seating is wonderful during a warm day.”
  5. “Delightful cozy cottage feel with brick pathways, multiple patios, and arched doors, surrounded by twinkling lights.”
  6. “went there on a Saturday morning, it was a sunny day and we sat on the cozy patio.”
  7. “Great hidden find, Charming atmosphere, Delicious food,”
  8. “The ambiance is perfect - the Alcove is more of a dining room to me & my family of friends than my own dining room, inside or out!”
  9. “Romantic, cozy, blissful pastries”
  10. “The restaurant was quite good, and the atmosphere was cute, though the process of waiting in line and then waiting for food was not quick.”
  11. “friendly atmosphere, super good sandwiches, and to die for cakes!”
  12. “The food is fresh, the prices are reasonable, and the ambience is very relaxing.”
  13. “Decent food, oppressive atmosphere”
  14. “take all my friends there and they are all impressed at the cozy atmosphere the cafe provides.”
  15. “Awesome atmosphere!”
  16. “Not only is the ambience charming, but this is quite possibly the best all around cafe this side of town.”
  17. “Expect Los Feliz prices - a sandwhich and a drink plus a counter girl tip will run you 10 - 12 bucks - but the charming cafe atmosphere and romantic patio make this an must-try lunch spot.”
dessert
96.87999725341797% positive
  1. “Alcove makes good food, but their speciality is desserts.”
  2. “So order your birthday/special cake here, get a slice of something sweet, and if you can find a seat, hang out.”
  3. “However, today I went not for dessert, but for something off their rather extensive savory food menu.”
  4. “friendly atmosphere, super good sandwiches, and to die for cakes!”
  5. “Great desserts and great brunch spot.”
  6. “Good savory food, lackluster dessert.”
  7. “Great sandwiches, soups, and (of course) desserts!”
  8. “Their food is solid - breakfast seems best to me though people swear by the tuna salad and the chocolate cupcake with white icing - but the combination of waiting in line, jockeying for a table and then waiting ages for your food to show up is maddening.”
  9. “As far as desserts go, there blue velvet cupcakes are to die for and the chai latte is nice and creamy and rich with spices.”
  10. “Waiting for your drink/dessert/pastry crouched in a corner while other customers try to order their food is a hassle and seemingly something they could organize better.”
  11. “What made up for it was the dessert - we sampled the raspberry cheesecake - not too sweet & quite yummy, the strawberry shortcake was light and just right, the lemon tart with berries was delicious.”
  12. “love the Alcove for it's intimate patio setting and amazingly delicious desserts.”
  13. “Portions are almost too big - the Cobb Salad is easily enough for two and cake slices are large enough to send you into diabetic shock.”
  14. “Sure, the desserts are expensive, but it's worth the price with every rich bite!”
  15. “their fig cakes are delicious too!”
  16. “like this place because its in great neighborhood and I can eat well , good food healthy ,but also indulge in great deserts and go there after my yoga class @ Karuna ,or before meditation @ the White Lotus.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “you can enjoy your coffee and actually read the paper.”
  2. “Great coffee.”
  3. “They have a wine and cheese store next door that makes you feel like you are in a wine country and the very open outdoor patio is a great place to catch up with friends, unwind, or have some alone time---all with a good glass of wine (or cup of latte).”
  4. “It's a great place for friends to sit and enjoy a meal or just a cup of coffee.”
  5. “Waiting for your drink/dessert/pastry crouched in a corner while other customers try to order their food is a hassle and seemingly something they could organize better.”
  6. “The staff was very friendly, attentive and filled up our coffee mugs on every occasion.”
  7. “Expect Los Feliz prices - a sandwhich and a drink plus a counter girl tip will run you 10 - 12 bucks - but the charming cafe atmosphere and romantic patio make this an must-try lunch spot.”
food quality
92.67999649047852% positive
  1. “great food”
  2. “Their brioche french toasts and salmon potato pancake stack with fresh fruits are awesomely delicious!”
  3. “The sandwiches are delicious and the portions are pretty big.”
  4. “get in line for mediocre food @ exorbitant prices”
  5. “Alcove makes good food, but their speciality is desserts.”
  6. “Alcove Cafe & Bakery is delicious!”
  7. “So much to choose from, eggs benedict the best, veggie burger superb,BLT superb, shrimp salad,as well as most salads, great.”
  8. “anyway, the food at the alcove will not disappoint.”
  9. “Their food is great, breakfast, lunch or dinner.”
  10. “Veggie burger was the low point - too moist and falling apart, grilled cheese with tomato was a winner with the kiddie, salmon breakfast platter was again good not great, fish & chips was beautifully presented but fish was a bit mushy, chicken & waffles -”
  11. “Romantic, cozy, blissful pastries”
  12. “You can tell that everything is fresh, well made and the flavor is amazing.”
  13. “The food is always fresh and delicious, the portions are huge, the staff is ridiculously friendly and helpful and the patios are great.”
  14. “The food is really not bad, but it is so outrageously crowded that the whole thing is ruined.”
  15. “also love the house salad which comes with baby greens, shredded carrots, aged Parmesan cheese, candied pecans and a rich creamy vinaigrette.”
  16. “The food is fresh and comforting and great for breakfast lunh and dinner.”
  17. “Turkey burger was good, not great.”
  18. “Order the onion rings, and you'll understand why I say they are to die for.”
  19. “Their food is solid - breakfast seems best to me though people swear by the tuna salad and the chocolate cupcake with white icing - but the combination of waiting in line, jockeying for a table and then waiting ages for your food to show up is maddening.”
  20. “Awesome food!”
  21. “You can have you omelette with potatoes or you can have it with fresh fruit, it's your choice.”
  22. “love the Alcove for it's intimate patio setting and amazingly delicious desserts.”
  23. “My friends and I were visiting from London, and overall loved the food and atmosphere.”
  24. “My boyfriend and I come here a few times a month and no matter what we order, the food is always outstanding.”
  25. “Great sandwiches, soups, and (of course) desserts!”
  26. “They were accommodating, everything was ready on time, and of course, everything was spectacularly delicious.”
  27. “Waiting for your drink/dessert/pastry crouched in a corner while other customers try to order their food is a hassle and seemingly something they could organize better.”
  28. “was it because they were so extremely busy they didn't have time to make the food taste decent?”
  29. “What made up for it was the dessert - we sampled the raspberry cheesecake - not too sweet & quite yummy, the strawberry shortcake was light and just right, the lemon tart with berries was delicious.”
  30. “My absolute favorite is the Salmon Breakfast Stack with fresh berries.”
  31. “Great food, Bad sitting”
  32. “Alcove serves up big, gourmet breakfasts of original omelet combos, sweet brioche french toast and packed burritos.”
  33. “However, today I went not for dessert, but for something off their rather extensive savory food menu.”
  34. “Did you ever consider that the Alcove serves fresh, organic spinach?”
  35. “Decent food, oppressive atmosphere”
  36. “like this place because its in great neighborhood and I can eat well , good food healthy ,but also indulge in great deserts and go there after my yoga class @ Karuna ,or before meditation @ the White Lotus.”
  37. “The food is fresh, the prices are reasonable, and the ambience is very relaxing.”
  38. “Good savory food, lackluster dessert.”
  39. “Enjoyed the fresh air on the outdoor patio, little birds happily singing and hopping about.”
  40. “come here often, not only because it's convenient since it's a walking distance, the food is great too!”
  41. “would highly recommend to go there for their delicious and lenghty breakfast menu.”
  42. “It's hard to find a restaurant with an extensive menu and have it all be consistently delicious - but from a salmon breakfast plate, to a turkey and hummus melt, to a steak salad.”
  43. “The food, of course, is fantastic.”
  44. “This cottage style restaurant has some tasty dishes.”
  45. “you might get a decent table and the food might actually be good.”
  46. “Great hidden find, Charming atmosphere, Delicious food,”
  47. “Highly recommend the (kinda) classic eggs benedict, which has just enough hollandaise.”
  48. “friendly atmosphere, super good sandwiches, and to die for cakes!”
  49. “am a neighborhood local and detest the overpriced, poor food and weird sense of having to tip for no service.”
  50. “It's a great place for friends to sit and enjoy a meal or just a cup of coffee.”
  51. “love the salads and the fruit bowl with granola is yummy.”
  52. “The restaurant was quite good, and the atmosphere was cute, though the process of waiting in line and then waiting for food was not quick.”
  53. “great variety of food for all types of people and the portions are very well served.”
  54. “their fig cakes are delicious too!”
  55. “but again, the food is GREAT!”
  56. “The portions are HUGE & the amount of fresh fruit you get w/the plate was overwhelming, berries literally falling off plate.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “They have a great menu selection at affordable prices.”
  2. “Also, although it's not listed on the menu, they make the best Patty Melt ever.”
  3. “would highly recommend to go there for their delicious and lenghty breakfast menu.”
  4. “It's hard to find a restaurant with an extensive menu and have it all be consistently delicious - but from a salmon breakfast plate, to a turkey and hummus melt, to a steak salad.”
  5. “They have a good variety so i can always find something i want.”
  6. “great variety of food for all types of people and the portions are very well served.”
  7. “However, today I went not for dessert, but for something off their rather extensive savory food menu.”
  8. “If you want to see their entire menu, they now have a great website up under their name - alcovecafe.”
  9. “We love their menu and outdoor seating.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “guess everyone knows how great this place is.”
  2. “It's a great place for friends to sit and enjoy a meal or just a cup of coffee.”
  3. “Otherwise good lookin place with great outdoor seating, if you can find a seat.”
  4. “This is a great place to stumble out of bed to go to on a Saturday or Sunday for breakfast.”
  5. “Other than that, the vibe is very relaxed, and is a great place to go with a bunch of friends for a lazy weekend breakfast.”
  6. “They have a wine and cheese store next door that makes you feel like you are in a wine country and the very open outdoor patio is a great place to catch up with friends, unwind, or have some alone time---all with a good glass of wine (or cup of latte).”
  7. “Again, great place but I would make sure they are not extremely busy before you decide to eat there.”
service
91.66999816894531% positive
  1. “Their food is solid - breakfast seems best to me though people swear by the tuna salad and the chocolate cupcake with white icing - but the combination of waiting in line, jockeying for a table and then waiting ages for your food to show up is maddening.”
  2. “am a neighborhood local and detest the overpriced, poor food and weird sense of having to tip for no service.”
  3. “The staff is very friendly and management is very attentive making sure their patrons are well taken care of.”
  4. “The staff behind the count are exceptionally friendly and work hard to serve.”
  5. “Great place to people watch”
  6. “great variety of food for all types of people and the portions are very well served.”
  7. “And very importantly the customers aren't pretentious and the staff is very friendly and helpful unlike some other similar outdoor cafes in the LA area.”
  8. “friendly atmosphere, super good sandwiches, and to die for cakes!”
  9. “The staff is OVERLY FRIENDLY even first thing in the morning, polite, and very accomodating of special order requests.”
  10. “The food is always fresh and delicious, the portions are huge, the staff is ridiculously friendly and helpful and the patios are great.”
  11. “The staff was very friendly, attentive and filled up our coffee mugs on every occasion.”
  12. “And the staff is always really nice -- they know it's nuts over there -- so just have patience and breathe.”
value
73.08000087738037% positive
  1. “Sure, the desserts are expensive, but it's worth the price with every rich bite!”
  2. “The sandwiches are delicious and the portions are pretty big.”
  3. “great prices for what you get.”
  4. “By the time I found one my overpriced omelet arrived in a pool of butter and my latte had turned cold.”
  5. “These are possibly the BEST cupcakes in Los Angeles, certainly worth the trip and price.”
  6. “great variety of food for all types of people and the portions are very well served.”
  7. “The food is fresh, the prices are reasonable, and the ambience is very relaxing.”
  8. “am a neighborhood local and detest the overpriced, poor food and weird sense of having to tip for no service.”
  9. “They have a great menu selection at affordable prices.”
  10. “Expect Los Feliz prices - a sandwhich and a drink plus a counter girl tip will run you 10 - 12 bucks - but the charming cafe atmosphere and romantic patio make this an must-try lunch spot.”
  11. “The food is always fresh and delicious, the portions are huge, the staff is ridiculously friendly and helpful and the patios are great.”
  12. “get in line for mediocre food @ exorbitant prices”
  13. “The portions are HUGE & the amount of fresh fruit you get w/the plate was overwhelming, berries literally falling off plate.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “My only complaint: Everyone else knows it's great, too, so the lines can get long on the weekends at brunchtime (but usually move pretty fast).”
  2. “The restaurant was quite good, and the atmosphere was cute, though the process of waiting in line and then waiting for food was not quick.”
  3. “Food was good, but it took 45 minutes to come out.”
4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/30/12

love this place

by erikmiller82 at Citysearch

I've been going to alcove for a while now and realized I should probably put a review about it ...

It's amazing. The place is chill, the food is good, and sitting outside at night with the heaters and having a slice of one of their delicious cakes with their peach tea is EXTRA good. lol

1 Star Rating: Poor

08/06/11

Horrible Birthday Dining Experience Please Read Entire Revie

by munichin at Citysearch

I always go to alcove when I want to have good food and a great experience, but I have to say on the one day I really counted on that great experience they totally failed miserable. We waited 1 hour and 30 minutes after placing our order before realizing that they had forgotten our order. We brought it to their attention and they did not apologize. When the food did come they got our orders wrong. My friend asked for a medium rare burger and they gave it to him well done. My dad asked for no tomato, but he had tomato in his order. My mom asked for dressing on the side, but the dressing was all over the food and to top it off I had a BLONDE HAIR IN MY SHRIMP SALAD!! ( my family and I all have dark hair). My friend told them his burger was not medium rare and if they could bring him another burger. They said they would get a new one out right away, but after 30 minutes of waiting we went to the front and asked why it was taking so long, the manager said that he did not authorize the waitress to make a new burger and that we would not get a new burger because too many bites were taken from the original burger. We were waiting 30 minutes for the new burger, if they did not plan on making a new one they should have let us know instead of letting us wait 30 minutes on top of the hour and a half they already made us wait for our meal. I am very disappointed in this place today is my birthday and this was my BIRTHDAY LUNCH....thanks goes out to alcove for making it the WORST birthday dining experience of my life. Plus I saw the back kitchen area and it was filthy. Food all over the floor...the health department should give them a visit.

1 Star Rating: Poor

06/19/11

Not that impressed

by llyonize at Citysearch

I just went for dessert and coffee, actually i ended up getting hot chocolate, which was not very good I have had better hot chocolate at the chain coffee places. My boy friend ordered a slice of chocolate cheese cake, too rich and dense for my taste, I got a lemon cupcake with vanilla frosting which was kinda dry. For a place being known as a bakery again, I have had better baked good at the chain coffee place for about half the price.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

02/26/11

Para quienes hablan espanol!

by Emilianne at Citysearch

Hace un mes, para la celebración de mi cumpleaños, mi hermana y mi cuñado me invitaron a comer a un lugar que está ubicado en Los Angeles, en el área de Los Feliz. Al llegar allí, pudimos ver una larga fila para entrar al lugar, señal de que la comida debe ser bastante buena. Mientras esperábamos, nos pasaron unos enormes papeles con el menú del restaurante, donde un solo lado era destinado a desayunos y en el otro podíamos encontrar hamburguesas, sopas, ensaladas, sándwiches y postres. Fue muy difícil escoger algo, por dos razones. La principal era que todos teníamos muchaaa hambre y la segunda era que todas las descripciones de los platos sonaban muy apetitosas. Estuve entre una Cobb Salad y un sándwich de salmón. Al final me decanté por este ultimo.

Cuando llegamos al final de la fila, mi hermana nos aconsejó que viéramos en los escaparates los postres que allí se ofrecían y que de una vez escogiéramos el que queríamos, porque o sino, tendríamos que volver a hacer la fila para pedirlo. Y así lo hicimos, otra difícil decisión. Todo se veía exquisito! Escogí el cheesecake de limón (muy buena elección por cierto).

Llegó el momento de ubicarnos en la mesa y para completar el buen momento, nos destinaron una de las mejores ubicadas, cerca de los árboles y en una esquina. Se me olvidaba contar que el restaurante es un patio, con mesas debajo de árboles y muy bien decorado. Nos trajeron nuestros platos y fue una sorpresa mayor al ver las enormes porciones. Qué maravilla! Con el hambre que teníamos!!

Todo estaba riquísimo. Mi sándwich de salmón venia acompañado de papas fritas y ensalada. Una muy buena combinación. Hasta el té helado que me tomé estaba muy rico. Sobra decir que fue una buena experiencia y que pronto tendremos que volver. Recomiendo este lugar a cualquier persona que quiera pasar un buen momento y deleitarse con comida abundante y bien preparada. Los precios son bastante buenos también. Por lo congestionada que es esa calle, recomiendo usar el servicio de valet parking.

unacolombianaencalifornia.blogspot

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/22/10

One of the Best Cafe

by ktowngamer at Citysearch

I have been going to the Alcove for some time. I never have a bad experience. They have never messed up my order but I am a pretty laid back person so I understand that if they were to mess it up it would be okay cause that happens with any restaurant. People who think other wise should get a grip. The atmosphere is great and the food is good. Red Velvet cheese cake please. The best coffee. Keep meaning to ask them what it is. Great first date spot or meeting spot; Casual Business dinner spot. And the staff is always in a good mood and it can get crazy there some times and you know its because they have a great team managing. Angry employees I always blame the manager. The Alcove I highly recommend.

  • Pros: Great Coffee, Great Staff
  • Cons: To busy sometimes ;-)

The Details on Alcove Cafe & Bakery

Place Categories:

  • good savory food
  • great place
  • very friendly staff
  • overall loved oppressive atmosphere
  • nice patio
  • love alcove
  • great sandwiches
  • overpriced poor food
  • savory food menu
  • fresh fruit
  • nice chai latte
  • affordable prices
  • very cozy ambience
  • great most salads
  • great desserts
  • waffles
  • great coffee
  • terrific ambiance
  • great breakfast
  • quite good restaurant
  • delicious fig cakes
  • delicious alcove cafe
  • enjoy experience
  • huge portions
  • great neighborhood
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